Time: Early Morning, 8 September 2029
The smooth morning light spilled across the rooftop, bathing the open space in a gentle, golden warmth. The vast expanse of concrete seemed almost peaceful under the soft glow, but the weight of the moment hung heavy in the air. Half the rooftop was cloaked beneath Aria's enormous wings, their delicate feathers shimmering faintly, casting shifting shadows that danced with the morning breeze.
The scent was sharp and unsettling—a strange blend of warm, burning flesh and cold metallic tang that clung to the air like a silent warning.
Luna stood close, her calm eyes never leaving Aria. The quiet strength in her gaze was a steady anchor amid the tension. Aria knelt beside Ember, who lay pale and fragile on a simple bench, her breathing shallow and uneven.
In Aria's left hand rested the strange, fleshy material—dark reddish with veins of blue pulsing faintly beneath its surface. Her right hand hovered just above Ember's stomach wound, where a ragged hole marred the skin. The healing energy flowed silently, the flesh melting and merging in a way invisible to any normal eye.
Aria's breath hitched slightly, her fingers trembling ever so faintly. Doubt flickered across her face—tight brows, lips pressed into a thin line, eyes darting with uncertainty.
How long will this take? she thought, a knot tightening in her chest. It's so slow... I don't have much experience healing others. What if I'm not strong enough?
Her heart pounded, and a flicker of frustration crossed her features as she clenched her jaw.
Luna's voice broke through the silence, soft and soothing, like a balm. "Aria, don't overthink it. What you're doing is good—and faster than you realize."
She stepped closer, her tone gentle but firm. "Look—Ember's wound is already starting to close."
Aria's eyes flicked down to the injury, where the ragged edges were slowly knitting together.
"Now, think of Ember's body and this flesh as your own," Luna continued, her voice steady and patient. "See the shape of her stomach inside your mind. Visualize its structure—every curve, every layer. When you do that, the healing will flow more naturally, more quickly."
Aria closed her eyes, drawing a shaky breath. Her fingers steadied as she summoned the image of Ember's internal form—the delicate balance of muscle and tissue, the intricate architecture of life itself.
Slowly, the healing accelerated, the flesh melding seamlessly, the wound filling with a quiet, steady pulse of life.
Luna's gaze softened, a faint smile touching her lips. Now, Aria looks like she did before all this began—like a normal girl again, full of hope.
Her thoughts drifted to Jaks, gratitude mingling with concern. I don't know where he found this flesh, but without it, Aria couldn't heal Ember. We'd still be searching, lost and desperate.
She whispered a prayer, her voice barely audible. This flesh is unique. It can heal Ember on its own in the future, and it's compatible with tek items—just as Jaks said. I pray everything goes smoothly. That one day, we can live without fear, together, in peace.
Aria's eyes opened, shining with renewed determination. The weight of doubt lifted, replaced by a fierce resolve to see Ember healed and safe.
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Farther across the rooftop, Lily sat quietly on the edge, her gaze fixed on Aria and Luna tending to Ember. The soft morning light brushed her face, revealing the tension etched deep within her features. Her eyes, wide and unblinking, held a mixture of hope and worry—as if she had just awakened from a restless sleep.
Her hands were clasped tightly in her lap, fingers trembling ever so slightly as she whispered silent prayers to the unseen forces above. Please, God, let Ember be like she was before. Let her be whole again.
A heavy weight pressed on Lily's chest, a gnawing sense of helplessness. I'm useless. I can't do anything while Aria and Luna fight to save her. Ember was the one who helped me when I was bullied at school—when no one else cared because of my status. And now, when she needs help, I have no power, no ability to protect her.
Her thoughts spiraled, a desperate plea rising from the depths of her heart. God, please make me strong. Make me someone who can help, not just watch.
Nearby, Jaks sat silently, his posture relaxed but his expression unreadable—no hint of emotion betrayed his thoughts. Yet beneath the calm surface, his mind churned with restless questions.
What am I doing here? he wondered, eyes flicking toward Lily. This is less boring than usual.
He studied her face—the way her brows furrowed, the subtle shifts in her expression. Why does she make so many faces? A faint, almost imperceptible smile tugged at the corner of his lips. She's different from other humans on Earth. She doesn't disgust me when I think about her or look at her.
Memories flickered—days past when he found amusement in her presence, indulging in every kind of mischief and fatigue through watching her on his phone. But when her requests grew annoying, a darker thought surfaced, and he distanced himself, tempted by a primal urge to consume her because of her uniqueness.
Now, seeing her again—strong, helping others—he felt a strange clarity. I think I enjoy this. When everything ends, maybe I'll find peace.
For the first time in a long while, the sunlight did not burn his skin. Instead, it warmed him, filling him with an unexpected sense of calm and vitality.
Today feels different. Today, I feel... amazing.
____________________________
(Flashback)
Time: Evening, 7 September 2029
The rooftop was cloaked in the dimming light of evening, shadows stretching long across the concrete as the city below began to settle into quiet. Jaks stood apart, his expression unreadable—an impassive mask that hid the storm of thoughts swirling beneath.
He scanned the group, noting the tense silence that hung heavy in the air. What the fuck? he thought, irritation flickering beneath his calm. Why is everyone so quiet?Why the disgusted looks when Luna only asked what kind of flesh we're using to heal Ember? What do they want—her to live a normal life or to gain some superhuman ability?
Around him, each person wrestled with their own unique fears and hopes, their minds racing in a chaotic rush of silent thoughts.
Luna's voice was soft but firm in his memory: "I just want to give them a choice. I didn't expect it to become like this."
Lily's heart ached with helplessness: "What can I do? I'm literally useless. I want to help so badly."
Aria's mind was a whirlwind of doubt and longing: "What can I do? How can I heal Ember? Where do I find something compatible? Luna said I have to choose... And today, after so long, I want to talk to Jaks, spend time with him—but I can't. Not now."
Jaks' thoughts hardened. Useless people, all of them. Only thinking useless thoughts. It'd be better if they started searching for what they need instead of drowning in fear.
Boredom gnawed at him, deeper than before. This isn't fun anymore. It's super boring.
Breaking the silence, his voice cut through the tension like a blade. "Hey, Aria, Lily. It's been a long time. As a meeting gift, I'm giving you a chance—you can ask for anything you want."
Inside, he wondered why he even offered. Maybe because I can't stand this boring scene anymore. I just hope they ask for something interesting.
The rooftop fell into a stunned hush. Eyes widened, minds racing to grasp the unexpected offer.
Luna's lips curved into a faint smile, a spark of hope flickering in her eyes. I know he's going to help them now. It's up to Lily and Aria.
Aria's gaze clouded with a distant memory, a flicker of the past shining through. Maybe this is good.
Lily and Aria exchanged quiet words, their voices low as they debated what to ask.
Lily's thoughts were tangled and uncertain. I don't know what to ask for in this situation. I don't know anything.
After a brief conversation, they reached a decision and spoke in unison, their voices steady but hopeful: "We want something that can be used to heal Ember—a flesh compatible with her."
Luna's smile faltered, a shadow of disappointment crossing her face. The weight of their wish settled heavily on the rooftop.
______________________________
Jaks moved with deliberate slowness, stepping into the lift with a faint flicker of amusement hidden beneath his unreadable expression. His fingers pressed the button for the first floor, and the doors slid shut with a soft hiss. As the lift descended, his mind churned with biting thoughts.
How foolish they are, he mused darkly. How can I hope they'll wish for something good? If they want Ember healed, they could have simply asked me to do it—smooth, simple, fuck. But no, they ask for some flesh.
The lift slowed, then stopped. The doors opened, and Jaks stepped out into the dim corridor, his gaze cold and sharp. He moved through the building with purpose, searching, scanning every corner, every shadow.
He ventured closer to the crack—the jagged rift that split realities—pausing as a wave of frustration surged through him.
What the fuck? he snarled silently. There's nothing here. How am I supposed to find something? Fuck everything. This is useless.
Disgust and boredom gnawed at him, deeper than ever before. His eyes narrowed, burning with a fierce, restless energy.
I don't have a choice. When there's nothing to enjoy, I have to create my own.
His steps carried him to the carcass of a massive, dead creature—a lava trike, its charred body a testament to its failure to adapt to Earth's harsh environment after crossing the crack.
Without hesitation, Jaks reached out, extracting the strange flesh from the monster's remains with ease, no sign of effort or unease crossing his face.
Then, with a flicker of dark amusement, he began a process no one could have anticipated.
From thin air, a metallic human figure materialized—shimmering, alive, and unnervingly fast, as if summoned by some arcane force.
"Now I can use both items for their request," Jaks murmured, eyes gleaming with cruel delight. To him, everything was just an item—tools to be bent to his will.
He began compressing the metallic figure slowly, merging it with the reddish-blue flesh harvested from the trike. The process was agonizingly slow and excruciatingly painful for the metallic human, its screams piercing the air, growing louder and more desperate.
But Jaks' expression twisted into a terrifying smile, his red irises glowing like embers of death. He reveled in the suffering, savoring every scream.
"This is what I want to see," he whispered, voice thick with dark pleasure. "A beautiful scene. I could make this painless, perfect flesh in an instant—but the slow agony... I can't miss a single moment."
The darkness deepened around him, the metallic human's screams echoing far beyond the building's walls.
Finally, the merging completed. The grotesque fusion transformed into flesh that looked normal—reddish with veins of blue pulsing faintly beneath the surface.
Jaks turned sharply, moving with lightning speed back toward the building. His face settled into its usual unreadable mask.
Everything done so fast. Nothing left to do. Let's go.
He stepped into the lift again, pressing the button for the rooftop.
When the doors opened, he found Lily already asleep, curled quietly in a corner. Luna sat nearby, feeding Aria a small portion of food with gentle care.
Jaks' voice cut through the calm. "What are you doing?"
______________________________
(Current time)
Time: Early Morning, 8 September 2029
Luna and Aria noticed Jaks' return almost immediately. A subtle shift softened their expressions—an unspoken relief, a flicker of hope. Aria's voice broke the quiet as she asked, "Did you get the thing we wanted as a gift?"
Jaks' eyes glinted with faint amusement, but Luna quickly realized the question's true meaning. She smiled gently and replied, "I'm helping Aria eat something. She can't move or access places like before, not with those large wings." Her gaze turned to Jaks with a quiet request. "Can you help Aria, like you help me?"
Without hesitation, Jaks replied effortlessly, "Okay, I'll help Aria—even if you don't ask." His gaze shifted to Aria. "First, heal Ember. Then I'll help you. If I help you now, you'll lose your energy."
He handed them the flesh—an object both strange and familiar. Luna and Aria leaned in, examining it closely. "Why does it look reddish-blue?" Aria asked, wrinkling her nose. "And why does it smell like burnt metal?"
Jaks shrugged lightly. "It's normal flesh. Compatible with Ember. It's good for her—fire resistant, 99.9%. It will heal her on its own in the future, and she can use tek items directly with it."
Inside, Jaks thought, I don't tell them that if she loses most of her original cells, there's a chance she'll lose control—and even the shape of her origin.
They studied the flesh again, noting how it looked like normal human tissue. Trusting Jaks' words, they believed in its promise, unaware of the lurking danger.
Jaks' eyes flicked away, his thoughts cold and distant. They didn't say thanks. I don't even need this kind of thing. I just hope this boring time moves faster. And today, I'm not the only one who's not sleeping.
Luna and Aria glanced around, realizing the early morning had already arrived. The first light of dawn crept over the horizon, casting a pale glow across the rooftop.
They began preparing for the treatment before the sun fully rose.
Lily, still asleep in a quiet corner, stirred as the soft light touched her eyelids. Her eyes fluttered open, and she saw Aria and Luna tending to Ember. The sun had already risen.
Slowly, Lily rose and moved closer, sitting quietly to watch them work, her heart heavy with silent prayers for Ember's recovery.
She thought bitterly to herself, I'm the most useless person here. I even slept—and I'm the one closest to Ember.
___________________________________
Lonia City,
The Von Falkenhayn family stood in a tight, straight line, their faces tense but focused. Lia's sharp eyes swept over everyone, noting their silent attention as they awaited her next move. Suddenly, the ground beneath them began to tremble violently, shaking the earth and rattling the air.
Lia's heart raced. What can I do now? she thought, panic flickering for a moment before a strange, red, bloody screen appeared before her eyes. The glowing text was clear and urgent:
"Move fast towards an open area."
Without hesitation, Lia's voice rang out, firm and commanding. "Lusia, everyone, move towards the open area—now!"
Confusion flickered across their faces, but they quickly fell in line, running behind Lia as she led the way.
Adrian stepped forward, concern etched on his face. "Lia, come. I'll carry you. You can tell me the direction."
Lia nodded, accepting her brother's help. Cradled in his arms, she guided him swiftly through the trembling streets, their pace quickening with every step.
___________________________________
Flashback
Earlier that day, Lia and Lusia wandered through the quiet, mostly empty Lonia International Airport, anxiously searching for their brother Adrian. The air was thick with the metallic tang of blood and burnt debris, and an eerie silence hung over the vast terminal.
Suddenly, Adrian and Lusia collided, startled but relieved.
"It's good we found each other," Lusia said softly.
Lia's eyes searched the crowd. "Where is Adrian? And where are Mom and the others? Why are you alone?"
Adrian's calm voice answered from nearby, "They're waiting for you in the hotel room. Let's go."
Lusia and Adrian offered to carry Lia, but she shook her head firmly. "I can move on my own. Don't worry."
Together, they made their way toward the hotel.
_________________________________
Back in the hotel room, the family reunited, their mother's face softening with relief as she embraced her children.
But the heat in the room began to rise ominously.
"We need to move outside," Lia urged.
Before leaving, Lia's stomach rumbled. "Mom, I want to eat something."
Their mother smiled gently. "Adrian, go buy something for my cutie."
Adrian hesitated, unease flickering in his eyes. "Mom, why do you always say that to me? Lusia is here too."
Their mother's tone sharpened. "What kind of brother are you? Jealous of your little sister?"
Adrian chuckled nervously. "Look, there's a vending machine here. Let me try it. I'm not going far."
She nodded, and Adrian approached the machine.
Suddenly, Lia's voice broke the moment. "Ah, what's that?"
"Mom, do you see that strange square?" Lia pointed.
Concern rippled through the family.
"What are you talking about, Lia?" Lusia asked, frowning.
"I'm not joking," Lia insisted. "There's a square with writing on it. It says: 'Go outside the airport or you will all die.'"
The family exchanged uneasy glances. Most dismissed Lia's warning as fear—an effect of the world's chaos weighing on her mind.
Adrian frowned. "The vending machine isn't working. Nothing here is working. Let's get outside and find food."
________________________________
The ground trembled again as the Von Falkenhayn family prepared to leave the fragile sanctuary of the airport. Lia's eyes were sharp, her mind racing with the weight of the warning and the dangers lurking beyond.
Together, they moved forward, united but wary, into the uncertain world shaped by the crack.
__________________________________
The air inside the airport was thick with an unnatural heat, pressing down on everyone like a suffocating weight. Suddenly, a strange sensation rippled through the crowd—a tremor that sent shivers down their spines. Panic sparked in their eyes as the ground beneath them began to shake violently.
"Run!" someone shouted.
Chaos erupted. People scrambled toward the exits, their footsteps pounding like thunder on the cracked floor. Lia's uncle swooped in, lifting her into his arms. "Hold on tight, Lia! We need to move fast!"
As they burst out of the airport building, a collective gasp rose from the crowd. The massive structure groaned and shuddered, then collapsed with terrifying ease, crumbling into dust and debris as if it had been made of paper. The shock froze everyone in place for a moment, their faces pale with disbelief.
The air grew hotter, the temperature rising sharply, making each breath feel like inhaling fire. Lusia grabbed their mother's arm, her voice trembling with concern. "Mom, Lia, are you okay?"
Lia's eyes were fixed on a glowing screen that flickered before her, visible only to her. Her mind raced as she tried to comprehend what she was seeing.
What is this? she thought, heart pounding. I've only seen things like this in comics… but this is real?
In the corner of the screen, a branding shimmered faintly—the same emblem embroidered on her EMP-covered clothes. Yet the screen insisted it was not real, a cruel illusion.
Suddenly, her eyes widened in alarm as a new warning flashed across the screen in bold, urgent letters:
"Move out from your current position or you will be crushed by small monsters."
Lia's voice trembled but carried urgency as she shouted, "Everyone, listen! We have to move now! There are monsters coming, and if we stay here, we'll be crushed!"
Shock rippled through the group. Some exchanged doubtful glances, but the memory of the airport's collapse gnawed at their skepticism.
Her brother, Adrian, unaware of the warning, pushed through the crowd. "What's going on here? Why is everyone gathered around Lia? Come on, let's find a food shop. It's way too hot in here—let's get somewhere cooler."
The family began moving, but the rising heat made every step heavier, every breath more labored. Lusia squeezed Lia's hand tightly. "Don't worry, Lia. I believe you. I'm with you."
Following Lia's lead, they navigated the trembling ground, their eyes scanning the horizon.
Suddenly, the earth quaked beneath their feet, more violently than before. From the jagged crack in the city's heart, a monstrous horde emerged.
Towering as tall as two and a half buildings, the first beast lumbered forward—a grotesque titan armored with jagged spikes that jutted from its massive frame like deadly blades. Its skin was a swirling canvas of deep reds and fiery patterns, pulsing faintly with an eerie glow. Two curved horns crowned its broad head, twisting like ancient relics of war, while its cold, merciless eyes burned with savage intelligence.
Behind it, a pack of similar creatures surged forth—each adorned with the same strange red patterns, their bodies armored with spikes and horns, moving with terrifying grace despite their monstrous size. Their presence warped the air, the heat intensifying as they advanced, promising destruction with every thunderous step.
Lia's voice rang out, steady and commanding despite the fear gripping her heart. "Everyone, move to the open area! Now!"
The family tightened their formation, hearts pounding as they raced toward the only place that might offer safety from the nightmare unleashed by the crack.